Thursday, March 22, 2012

Yes We Can!

Lebanese women have mobilized recently to stop domestic violence and to demand tougher rape laws. As women around the world have discovered, economic power paves the road for better treatment and more opportunities. On Tuesday, March 20th at the Hilton Grand Habtoor, BLC Bank and IFC teamed up to present the Women Empowerment Initiative. Among the topics presented were Gender Diversity, the Challenges of SME’s and Women in Business. Ms. Cherie Blair was scheduled to attend but was unable due to a medical situation, her message was delivered by Ms. Henriette Kolb on behalf of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Mr. Maurice Sehnaoui gave the closing remarks on behalf of BLC Bank. An audience member expressed relief that BLC had not created a “plastic surgery loan” which brought applause. This was indeed about empowering women financially. Ms. Hanan Saab spoke about the many challenges she faced in starting her company but offered solid encouragement to women who wanted to follow in her footsteps. So ladies, if you have a passion or a dream, this might just be the help you need.(Top Left)Ms. Rana Ghandour Salhab, Regional Talent and Communications Partner, Deloitte Middle East. (Top Right) Mr. Najib Anwar Choucair, Executive Director and Head of the Banking Department at Banque Du Liban. (Middle Left L-R) Ms. Mona Chemali Khalaf, Economist and Independent Consultant on Gender and Development Issues. Ms. Hanan Saab, Founder of Pharmamed. Ms. Randa Abousleiman, Managing Partner in Abousleiman and Partners. Ms. Marcela Navarro, Executive Business Manager to CEO Corporate Banking Division at Royal Bank of Scotland. (Middle Right) Front row VIP’s (Bottom Left) Ms.Henriette Kolb, Chief Executive, Cherie Blair Foundation For Women. (Bottom Right) Mr. Maurice Sehnaoui, Chairman, General Manager, BLC Bank. Follow on Twitter- @WeInitiative

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Lebanese are being bombarded in the form of outdoor advertising. Billboards fight for attention. While many cities have beautification and restoration committees, Beirut counts on the creativity of advertisers to add a bit of color and at least temporarily add beauty to crumbling buildings.Here are some of what Lebanese are subjected to on a daily basis. Enjoy or suffer along with us.